From the AP: A federal judge on Thursday barred the Bush administration from requiring nonprofit AIDS groups to sign a pledge opposing prostitution and sex trafficking in exchange for federal dollars. U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said a law passed by Congress in 2003 violates the free-speech rights of groups such as DKT International Inc., which provides family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 11 countries. See our Watcher Story on a related case.

From BNA; A three-judge federal district court in Washington, D.C., denied a bid by a nonprofit corporation in Maine May 9 seeking to block the Federal Election Commission from enforcing restrictions on funding of political advertising under the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (Christian Civic League Of Maine Inc. v. FEC, D. D.C., No. 06-614, 5/9/06).

From the AP: A U.S. policy that forces groups fighting AIDS overseas to denounce prostitution in order to receive federal funding violates free speech rights, a judge ruled Tuesday. The Supreme Court "has repeatedly found that speech, or an agreement not to speak, cannot be compelled or coerced as a condition of participation in a government program," said U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

New on Lobby Reform: The Hill offers Earmark reform deal in the House raises eyebrows in Senate. USA Today offers Scandal keeps legislators home, which begins: "number of privately sponsored trips taken by members of Congress has plunged this year amid a lobbying scandal and debate over how to restrict relationships between lawmakers and special interests." Roll Call offers Lobby Bill Poised for Passage. Lobbying Firm Broke PAC Rules